The resolution, sponsored by Board Member Mónica Ratliff and Board Member Mónica García, passed unanimously. L.A. Unified, the nation’s second-largest district, will observe May 21-27 as “Classified Employee’s Week.”

Board Member Mónica Ratliff said, “I am honored to have had this annual opportunity to recognize Classified School Employees Week with my fellow board members because it is so important to recognize and celebrate our everyday heroes – classroom aides, maintenance workers, food service providers, security officers, office workers, and bus drivers, among others!” She added, “The daily efforts of all these dedicated L.A. Unified classified school employees help to ensure that students and families throughout the District have the resources and support they need to achieve and thrive in successful schools.”

“We have many heroes in our schools and some of them are the amazing classified employees that support student learning in Los Angeles,” said School Board Member Mónica García. “We celebrate each of your achievements and support for equity, achievement, and 100 percent graduation in Los Angeles.”

Superintendent Michelle King said, “These employees contribute in many ways. Jobs vary from serving school lunches, maintaining school grounds; handling office paperwork and providing security on campuses,” she said.

Classified employees, so known because their jobs are filled from the general labor pool, also play a role in student achievement. Karla Gould, who heads the District’s Personnel Commission, announced that this year’s “exemplary” employee is Dameon Pichetrungsi affectionally known as “Mr. D.” by his school community. Pichetrungsi is a resource specialist program assistant at Broadway Elementary School.

Gould said of the 2017 Exemplary Employee of the Year, “He is known for his initiative and follow-through among many other qualities and drafted a proposal for a creative writing class, a very sought after elective at the school.” She added, “He knows every student by name, supports everyone, and is a member of the school’s crisis team.”

Pichetrungsi shared his appreciation for being the “exemplary” employee of the year. He said, “I just want to say to the school board and students, just believe and keep believing. It will be hard, but your effort will go a long way.” He added, “I grew up in L.A. Unified, and was a foster kid.”

Service Employees International Union Local 99 President Conrado Guerrero was pleased to recognize Pichetrungsi. “He is truly committed to students and education and makes sure students thrive in school,” said Guerrero. “I am proud that the District is recognizing all that is done inside and outside of the classroom.”

“It is important to let people know there are others at the school sites, besides teachers, who assist with the education of their children and they are called classified employees,” said Letetsia A. Fox, Los Angeles chapter 500 president, California School Employees Association.